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Rita guides you through a most loving and sacred yoga practice. Her gentle nature and lightness allow for the most wonderful unfolding to take place in her class. As a fellow student and teacher I am always appreciative of her gifts and radiant smile she shares with others. ... Aarti Ganesh Read more...

Fitness for Kids...With Yoga

Children today are under a tremendous amount of stress from school, modern day environment, peer competition and expectations from the parents. Stress affects the way children learn and interact with their surroundings. It affects their health, well-being and confidence. Yoga creates the ultimate learning adventure while helping children de-stress and relax.

Discovering Yoga, breathing and relaxation techniques are such ‘treasures’ whose contribution in combating the daily wear and tear of this modern, fast paced, stressful life is something so valuable and enjoyable. Even a few minutes of time spent on this activity in a day can give immense positive results.

WHAT IS YOGA

Yoga is the art and science of living, and is concerned with the evolution of mind and body. It is a form of complete education that can be used on all children because it develops physical stamina, emotional stability & intellectual and creative talents. It is a unified system for developing a total and balanced personality of the child.

WHAT IS BREATHING

Pranayama or breathing techniques have a direct effect on the brain and emotions. Children can feel just as ‘stressed out’ as adults, particularly around examination time. The emotional stability gained through Pranayama frees mental and creative energies in a constructive way and the child exhibits more self-confidence, self-awareness and self control.

WHAT IS RELAXATION

Relaxation reduces the stress of daily living experiences. It is an effective process for reducing child's stress and is specially helpful in building confidence for examinations, competitions etc. Techniques such as Yoganidra affect the physical, mental, emotional & creative aspects of a child. In doing this, we create an open, clear, quiet space & therefore we can train our mind to be calm, clear and focused. What greater gift can we give our children than the gift of inner peace?

PUTTING YOGA INTO PRACTICE

There is always a complaint from the teachers that the child does not understand what is taught to him. But practically, every kid understands as per his / her capacity and grasp. The ability to teach and the ability to learn / understand are two different issues. We need to make efforts to improve the child's memory and concentration. If the kids are taught Yoga at an early age, it would help in developing their concentration, memory, creativity and understanding level with a sense of playfulness, freedom and imagination. It is not sufficient by improving the teaching techniques alone. So give your child the gift that keeps him healthy and happy.

CHILDREN WHO PRACTICE YOGA…..

• Develop strong, flexible and healthy bodies with increased height

• Set a lifelong foundation for well-being

• Foster creative expression, imagination

• Improve focus, concentration & self-confidence

• Cultivate self-esteem, setting patterns of success and achievement

• Experience relaxed state of body and mind and sleep better

• Cope with life stressors more effectively

• Learn about anatomy and physiology

• Discover a sense of awareness and respect for themselves, for others and the world around them

• Very good for emotionally disturbed, destructive, hyperactive children

Following is one of the most dynamic & beautiful postures for children called Chakrasana, which is effective in increasing the height, memory power, concentration and reduces extra fat. I am sure that children are going to like this Asana.

Chakrasana

CHAKRASANA (THE WHEEL POSE)

Chakrasana is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘chakra’ or 'wheel'. It is a backward-bending posture in which the body nearly forms a circle. This stretches the entire body and stimulates all the energy centers within. It helps balance hormone levels, improves circulation, to the brain in particular, and stimulates the respiratory system. It helps alleviate common skin and eye problems.

HOW TO DO IT

• Lie on the floor on your back. Keep your arms by your sides. Then bend your knees and bring your feet close to your buttocks. Your knees and feet should be apart. The distance between both legs is supposed to be a distance between the two shoulders

• Raise your arms over your head and bend your elbows to place your palms on the floor beside your shoulders. Your fingers should point towards your body.

• Arch your back to raise yourself, till the crown of your head supports your body.

• Inhale and straighten your elbows and legs as much as you can. Slowly raise your head off the floor and then let it drop back so that it is raised in mid air between your arms. Breathe deeply as you hold this final position for as long as you are comfortable.

• To return to the starting position, slowly lower your body till your head rests on the floor. Then rest your back and hips down. Straighten your legs and arms until you are lying flat on the floor.

• This is one round. Practice up to 3 rounds. Then relax in Shavasana.